West Liberty, W.Va. - The West Liberty Hilltoppers men's tennis head into the spring season with confidence, grit, and a renewed sense of purpose under head coach Ronnie Hulewicz. With much of last year's lineup intact and a stronger competitive edge, the Hilltoppers are eager to turn growth into results in what promises to be a demanding Mountain East Conference slate.
West Liberty opens the 2026 season on February 13–14, hitting the road to face Penn State Behrend and Daemen in Erie, Pa., and Buffalo, N.Y. One of the highlights of the spring will be the Hilton Head PTR Spring Break trip (March 7–12), a stretch that will provide valuable match play and development opportunities.
This year's Hilltoppers are a gritty, hardworking group that showed significant improvement a season ago. Coach Hulewicz is excited by the team's resilience, coachability, and scrappy competitive spirit, traits that have defined the program's culture heading into the spring.
West Liberty brings back several key contributors, including juniors Barney Cowan and Chris Burns, along with sophomores Ignacio Giurfa and Austin Zgurski. Graduate senior Pablo Zubieta anchors the leadership group, known for his unselfishness, strong work ethic, and ability to lead by example.
Giurfa enters the season primed for a breakout after a strong fall, while Zgurski's added strength and improved court IQ make him another player to watch. Burns also has the potential to make a significant impact throughout the lineup.
Freshman Ethan Shepard headlines the newcomer class. A talented and hardworking competitor, Shepard adds depth and strength at the top of the lineup and is expected to make an immediate impact this spring.
With only two new lineup players, the Hilltoppers benefit from increased experience and continuity. The emphasis this season will be on consistency, smarter shot selection, versatility, and competitiveness in every match, with the goal of finding multiple ways to win points.
West Liberty's goals are simple but meaningful: win more matches than last season, compete relentlessly, and continue to grow both individually and collectively. Success will be measured by progress over the course of the entire season, not just early results.
Every Mountain East Conference match will be a challenge in one of the league's most competitive sports. Fans can circle key home matches against Charleston, Fairmont State, Bloomsburg, and Frostburg State as must-see dates this spring.
The Hilltoppers have continued to grow culturally, emphasizing cohesiveness, a growth mindset, and full buy-in. Off the court, the team remains active in the community, including service efforts tied to Milly Mulhern and the Ohio Valley High School Kickoff on February 21 at Wheeling Park.
"Come out and see us in action," said Coach Hulewicz. "This group competes hard, supports each other, and represents West Liberty the right way."
With experience, depth, and determination, the Hilltoppers are ready to make their mark this spring.
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.
